The 21-year-old has formed a strong partnership with Babar Azam for Peshawar Zalmi, with innings of 42 from 26 and 88 from 55 alongside two failures before today. Against Islamabad United, Ayub blitzed 38 off 21 with three fours and two sixes.

The highlight came at the start of the fifth over, bowled by England’s Tymal Mills. The speedster didn’t need a loosener, sending his first ball down at 141kph. The ball was on the stumps, and Ayub shuffled across to play an incredible shot over the leg-side. His head stayed down, and he held the pose as the ball flew over the rope.

His knock laid the platform for a Babar assault, the former Pakistan captain surging to a century as Peshawar Zalmi crossed 200. Peshawar Zalmi had won two and lost two before today, while Islamabad United had won one and lost two.

Watch Saim Ayub’s no-look flick for six off Tymal Mills below:

Saim Ayub, that is ridiculous 🤯#PSL2024 pic.twitter.com/vp5qLtrisO

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 26, 2024